China 4: Shanghai
Photos by Philip Galvin
1. Oriental Pearl Raidio & TV Tower
This colourful TV tower is world’s 6th and China’s 2nd tallest TV and Radio tower (in 2015). It began construction in 1991 and completed in 1994. The hight is 468m (1535 ft) and is the equivalent of a 103 story building. The tower, between Yungpu Bridge (NE) and Nanpu Bridge (SW) apparently creates the picture of two dragons playing with perls.
We waited for a long time before we could get on the elevator which took us to 351m level. Fortunately, there were many interesting and colourful displays such as the Chinese sculpture of a lion (above) and others. So it was not too boring to be in line.
The views from the top floor over the city of Shanghai were specutacular. We were quite surprised to see so many tall buidings in the city.
2. Downtown Area
While we were walking around downtown, we noticed that there were many colorful flags displayed in front of the buildings along the street.
We followed the flags until the end and found ourselves right in the middle of a special event. Part of the street was blocked and there was Chinese music playing and people with colorful costumes and traditional attire were marching in front of the steps which led to a park. There were many people involved in the event wearing red costumes which is considered a lucky color in China.
3. Old City
There are many street markets in Shanghai Old City. We had dim sum for lunch in a restaurant in one of the buildings in the Old City.
4. Yu Garden (Garden of Happiness)
Yu Garden is located beside the City God Temple in the Old City of Shanghai. The area of the garden is about 5 acres (20,000 sq meters). This traditional Chinese garden includes 40 scenic spots such as pavilions, rock formations and ponds which will be shown below. Yu Garden is the largest of Shanghai’s Ming and Ching architectural styles of gardens.
Huxinting Teahouse (built in 1855)
No matter which way we walked around, there were so many interesting buildings, sculptures and art pieces in Yu Garden.
Guardian Lion (Foo Dog) symbolizes prosperity, success and Guardianship.
Dragon Walls
Jade Rock
5. Jade Buddha Temple
Jade Buddha Temple where we visited is one of the most famous Buddist temples in Shanghai.
The white Jade Buddah above was brought to this temple from Myanmar in the 19th century.
6. River Cruise
We took a one-hour cruise along the Huangpu River. The cruise started with the symbol of Shanghai, the Bund, which was situated on the east bank of the river. The mother river of Shanghai, Huangpu River, divides the city into the east and west parts. The views of the downtown were quite impressive with so many new tall buildings. Apparently, there was a night cruise which was very popular and spectacular, but we were taken to a traditional Chinese acrobat show that night which was worth while attending.
We stayed in the Fairmont Hotel (with green roof Never seen anything like this before.
above) along the river which was luxurious. We don’t know what they are.
7. Accommodation in Shanghai (Fairmount Peace Hotel)
At Fairmont Peace Hotel, we were first taken to quite a spacious room but there was a wedding banquet being held just above our room. It was very noisy even after midnight (chairs squeaking and something was banging on the floor), so we asked the hotel to do something about the noises. To solve this problem, the hotel provided us with a larger and more luxurious room which we were delighted to stay in. It was the best hotel room we’ve ever stayed in by far. It had a large bedroom, two bathrooms with glass walls, a spacious and separate sitting room, and even a walk-in closet. It was not only exquisite but also very quiet. We slept well for the next two nights.
